Rwanda has returned 39 Congolese nationals to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) after a verification process found that they did not meet the requirements to be admitted into the country’s demobilisation and reintegration programme.
The Rwanda Demobilisation and Reintegration Commission (RDRC) said the individuals had claimed to be former members of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), an armed group operating in eastern DRC.
However, investigations conducted by RDRC determined that their claims could not be verified and that they were not eligible to benefit from the programme designed for former combatants seeking to return to civilian life.
The group was handed over to DRC authorities on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, in an exercise witnessed by journalists and representatives of the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the DRC, MONUSCO.
RDRC said the process reflects its commitment to maintaining strict identification and verification procedures for individuals seeking admission into its demobilisation and reintegration initiatives.
The commission added that it continues to work with regional and international partners to promote accountability, strengthen cooperation and support efforts aimed at achieving lasting peace in the region.
